This is where you can find out about the different charging connectors that relate to New Zealand’s electric vehicle fleet, including the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency recommended connector types for public charging infrastructure.

Types of charging connectors

The types of charging connectors that relate to New Zealand’s electric vehicle fleet are as follows:

Connector Description
SAE J1772 Type 1 AC

SAE J1772 Type 1 AC

TYPE 1 AC

This is a standard connector for AC charging. It has origins in the US but is also a standard connector in use in Japan. .

EV models with Type 1 inlets in New Zealand include:

  • Nissan Leaf (including imports)
  • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
  • Nissan e-NV 200
  • Kia Soul EV
SAE J1772 DC CCS Combo 1 Connector Type 1

SAE J1772 DC CCS Combo 1 Connector Type 1

TYPE 1 DC CCS Combo 1 

This connector is used in the US for DC charging and was also adopted for some European-origin EVs.

Currently fast charging stations in New Zealand are transitionally from CCS Type 1 to CCS Type 2 connectors. 

Chademo-Yazaki-Connector

Chademo Yazaki Connector

CHAdeMo DC

This connector is used for DC charging in Japan and is so is the DC inlet supplier with most imported Japanese vehicles .

Models with CHAdeMO inlets in New Zealand include:

  • Nissan Leaf (including imports)
  • Nissan e-NV200
  • 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
IEC 62196 Type 2

IEC 62196 Type 2

TYPE 2 or Mennekes AC

This connector has become widely used across Europe.

Models with Mennekes inlets in New Zealand include:

  • used European EVs including BMW, Audi, VW and Mercedes
  • New Zealand new Renault Zoe and Kangoo Z.E.
  • Tesla cars imported from UK or Australia
EU DC CCS Combo 2 Connector Type 2

EU DC CCS Combo 2 Connector Type 2

EU DC CCS Combo TYPE 2 DC

This is a fast DC charging connector used extensively across Europe. This is a recommended connector for fast (and possibly slow) DC charging in New Zealand(alongside the CHAdeMo),

Models with Type 2 Combo inlets in New Zealand include:

  • BMW i3
  • Hyundai Ioniq
Tesla Charging Connector
Tesla charging connector
Tesla

Used on Tesla cars imported from US or Japan. It has fast DC and AC, and slow AC, charging capabilities.

Note: these proprietary chargers are not installed in New Zealand; however a Tesla supplied accessory can be used to charge from a CHAdeMo or CCS Type 2 connector.

Connectors for public charging stations

In order to achieve ‘interoperability’ across public charging stations it is recommended that public charging stations in New Zealand use the connectors/ sockets outlined below.

Recommended connectors for DC charging stations

It is recommended that DC charging stations provide tethered cables with both the CHAdeMo DC and DC CCS Type 2 connector types.

Recommended charging connectors

Recommended connector Vehicle inlet required Models with specific inlets in NZ
Chademo Yazaki Connector
CHAdeMo DC (tethered cable)
Chademo Yazaki Connector socket outline

Nissan Leaf (including imports).

Nissan e-NV200.

Tesla cars imported from UK or Australia have a Type 2 inlet but can use a CHAdeMo connector using a Tesla-supplied accessory.

EU DC CCS Combo 2 Connector Type 2
EU DC CCS Combo TYPE 2 (tethered cable)
EU DC CCS Combo 2 Connector Type 2 socket outline European-origin electric vehicles, including BMW i3 and VW e-GOLF.

Recommended socket for AC charging stations

It is recommended that AC charging stations provide a Type 2 socket; the driver will be expected to provide their own supply cable that is compatible with their vehicle inlet.

Recommended charging socket outlet

Recommended socket outlet Driver supplied cable – connection for charging station socket outlet
IEC 62196 Type 2 socket outline
TYPE 2 or Mennekes AC socket outlet
IEC 62196 Type 2 outline
TYPE 2 or Mennekes AC connector

How to charge using a Type 2 / Mennekes AC socket outlet

Model Model’s inlet Driver supplied cable – connection for vehicle inlet Driver supplied cable – connection for charging station socket outlet

Used European electric vehicles including BMW, Audi, VW and Mercedes

New Zealand new Renault Zoe and Kangoo Z.E.

Tesla cars imported from UK or Australia

IEC 62196 Type 2 socket outline
Type 2 inlet
IEC 62196 Type 2 outline
Type 2 connector
IEC 62196 Type 2 outline
Type 2 connector

Nissan Leaf (including imports)

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Nissan e-NV 200

Kia Soul EV

BMW i3 (New Zealand new)

Audi 3 e-tron (New Zealand new)

SAE J1772 inlet
Type 1 inlet
SAE J1772 connector
Type 1 connector
IEC 62196 Type 2 outline
Type 2 connector